Solar plus Storage for Resilient Communities

The new Solar plus Storage for Resilient Communities program funds solar and battery back-up power so community buildings can provide essential services when the power goes out. Grants support installation as well as planning work for solar plus storage systems at community buildings, including schools, community centers, libraries, and other buildings owned by local, state, tribal governments and non-profits in Washington. Technical assistance opportunities help communities prepare to apply for future grant funding opportunities.
Commerce is launching the program with two opportunities: grant funding for communities to plan and install solar plus storage systems, and funding for service providers who will assist communities in developing projects for future funding opportunities. Technical assistance opportunities for communities are coming soon.

Funding Opportunities

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September 27, 2023

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September 26, 2023

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Currently evaluating grant applications for 2023 funding round

April 20, 2023

Grant applications for the 2023 Solar plus Storage for Resilient Communities program with up to $35.4 million available were due March 23, 2023. The opportunity includes two tracks: Track 1: Planning and Predevelopment grants will be awarded to projects that identify sites, complete community outreach and engagement to identify community needs, complete feasibility studies, or develop cost estimates, specifications, or other early design work. Track 2: Installation grants will be

Technical Assistance

Commerce is offering two technical assistance opportunities at no cost to a limited number of communities through the Solar plus Storage for Resilient Communities program. This assistance will position communities to apply for future funding through Commerce’s Solar plus Storage for Resilient Communities grant program. Commerce will prioritize requests from rural, tribal, and other communities most vulnerable to the impacts from power outages and emergencies.

  • Planning Assistance: This energy resilience planning assistance opportunity will explore the best energy resilience systems based on specific community needs to help you navigate and prepare for future funding opportunities. An energy resilience specialist from Commerce’s Energy Resilience and Mitigation Team will provide this assistance.
  • Feasibility Studies: If you have selected a site or sites for a solar plus storage system. Feasibility studies will help you size your solar plus storage system, identify permitting, zoning, and interconnection considerations, and identify costs and financial benefits. Commerce has selected two vendors, Cascadia Renewables and Sazan Group, who will provide these feasibility studies at no cost to communities.

To request planning assistance or help with a feasibility study, please complete the Vendor TA intake form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Projects must be eligible for the Solar plus Storage for Resilient Communities grant program. The project must be led by one for the following:

  • Local government
  • State government
  • Tribal government or affiliate
  • Retail electric utility
  • Non-profit organization

Eligible facilities include:

  • Community centers, recreation centers, park facilities and libraries that are regularly open to the public or where individuals access publicly-funded services
  • Income-qualified multifamily housing and assisted living facilities
  • Pre-K-12 schools and higher education that will be open to the public during extended outages
  • Religiously-affiliated buildings (churches, mosques, temples, etc.) that will be open to the public during emergencies
  • Shelters, day centers, food banks and other community service centers for vulnerable populations
  • Other buildings and facilities owned by state and local governments, including public safety facilities, administrative buildings, wastewater and water infrastructure, hospitals, and other critical facilities

If you’ve identified community needs but need help deciding where emergency back-up power would best serve those needs, or if you need help identifying and prioritizing community needs, then select planning assistance.

If you’ve already selected a site for emergency back-up power, a feasibility study will help you with the technical information you need to apply for a Track 2: Installation grant in the future.

Still not sure? Contact us at Solar@Commerce.wa.gov and we will help you determine the best fit.

Contact

Maureen Maples, Solar Programs Manager
Email: Solar@Commerce.wa.gov

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